Mulayam gives 10-day ultimatum to ministers, officers to 'mend' ways

Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Tuesday gave a 10-day ultimatum to the ministers and officers in Uttar Pradesh to ‘mend their ways’ and even ticked off his son and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav asking him to keep distance from ‘sycophants’.

Addressing a gathering at the Chief Minister’s 5, Kalidas Marg residence in Lucknow, Mulayam, while pointing at Cabinet Minister Azam Khan, said, “In your government, sycophants are ruling the roost.” He added that the state government is ‘weakening’ the party with its performance.

"Ministers and officers, you all should mend your ways within 10 days," he said.

Turning to the Chief Minister, Mulayam said, "You (Akhilesh) should not fall in the trap of sycophants. You have become habitual of hearing 'Sir'. The outcome of those, who fall in the trap of sycophants, is not good."

He said that the state government should not sit on files related to roads, electricity and water projects.

"I have not reviewed the performance of Ministers in the state government but I know what they are doing. Ministers and officers, you all should mend your ways within 10 days. The party is bigger than the government. This government is weakening the party," said Mulayam.

"Some persons are trying to betray me and think that they will continue as Ministers,” he warned.

Mulayam said that officers should take prompt decision on files instead of holding them. He added that the government should provide facilities like roads, electricity and water to the people.